Have you ever seen a chipmunk scurrying around your yard or garden, and wondered how to keep them away? You’re not alone! Chipmunks can wreak havoc on gardens, and many homeowners are left wondering how to keep these pesky critters away.
In this article, we’ll explore what chipmunks are, why you should keep them away, and the various methods you can use to keep them away.
By the end, youll be an expert on chipmunk control and have the knowledge to keep your garden and yard safe from these little critters.
Lets get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Chipmunks can be deterred by making your yard less attractive to them.
This can include removing any bird feeders, sealing off any holes or cracks that they may use to enter your home, and trimming back any overgrown shrubs or trees that they can use as hiding spots.
Additionally, you can place mothballs around your garden or yard, as the smell is unpleasant to chipmunks.
Finally, you can also use a repellent spray that is specifically designed to repel chipmunks.
What are Chipmunks?
Chipmunks are small, cute, and furry rodents that are native to North America and found all over the continent.
They are most easily recognized by their large, bushy tails, small eyes, and distinctive stripes that run along their backs.
Chipmunks are usually about 5-10 inches in length and weigh about 2-4 ounces.
Despite their small size, they are known to be quite active and their high-pitched calls can often be heard in wooded areas.
They are omnivores, meaning they feed on both plants and animals, and they love to eat nuts, seeds, berries, leaves, insects, frogs, and eggs.
Although they are generally harmless, chipmunks can become a nuisance when they enter our gardens and yards.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to keep them away.
Reasons to Keep Chipmunks Away
Chipmunks may be small and cute, but they can be a nuisance when they enter our yards and gardens.
These animals are known for digging up flowers and vegetables and creating holes in the ground, as well as stealing food from bird feeders and pet dishes.
To make matters worse, they can also spread diseases and damage electrical wiring.
For these reasons, it’s important to find ways to keep chipmunks away from your property.
Fortunately, there are a few methods that can help you do just that.
Peppermint oil is a natural repellent for chipmunks, as the smell is unpleasant to them.
To create your own peppermint oil spray, simply mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spray it around the areas where chipmunks have been spotted.
Additionally, placing ammonia-soaked cotton balls around the affected areas can help deter chipmunks.
The smell of ammonia is unpleasant to these animals and will drive them away.
Finally, it’s important to keep your yard and garden free of potential food sources like birdseed, fallen fruit, and pet food.
Chipmunks are naturally drawn to food sources, so by removing these items you can help make your property less attractive to them.
By taking these steps, you can help keep chipmunks away from your property and prevent them from causing damage to your plants and belongings.
The Smell of Peppermint Oil
If you have a chipmunk problem, the first thing you should try is peppermint oil.
The strong smell of peppermint is an effective way to repel chipmunks and discourage them from entering your yard and garden.
To use it, mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spray it around the areas where chipmunks have been spotted.
For best results, repeat this process every few days.
Peppermint oil is a natural, non-toxic way to keep chipmunks away without harming them.
The powerful smell of peppermint will keep chipmunks from entering your yard and garden, and the smell will fade over time, so you dont have to worry about the smell lingering for too long.
Plus, its an easy way to keep your yard and garden chipmunk-free without having to use any harsh chemicals.
Not only is peppermint oil a great way to naturally deter chipmunks, it also has a pleasant scent that can make your outdoor space smell nice.
So, you can enjoy the benefits of having chipmunks away without having to endure an unpleasant smell.
Ammonia-Soaked Cotton Balls
Ammonia-soaked cotton balls are a great way to keep chipmunks away from your yard and garden.
The smell of ammonia is strong and off-putting to chipmunks, so placing these around the perimeter of your yard and garden can help to deter them from entering.
To make your own ammonia-soaked cotton balls, you will need ammonia, cotton balls, and a container with a lid.
Start by pouring a small amount of ammonia into the container, and then add the cotton balls.
Make sure they are completely submerged in the ammonia.
Once theyre soaked, seal the container and let the cotton balls sit for at least an hour.
Once theyre ready, you can place them around your yard and garden in areas where chipmunks have been spotted.
Be sure to place them in locations that are out of reach of children and pets.
Replenish the cotton balls every few weeks to keep them effective.
By using this method, youll be able to effectively deter chipmunks from entering your yard and garden.
Keeping Your Yard and Garden Free of Attractants
The last, and perhaps most important, step in keeping chipmunks away is to make sure your yard and garden are free of food sources that may attract them.
Chipmunks are omnivores, meaning they will eat almost anything they can find.
This includes birdseed, fallen fruit, pet food, and other types of food that may be lying around your yard.
By eliminating these food sources, you can make your yard less attractive to chipmunks.
It is also important to keep your yard and garden tidy.
If you notice any debris such as leaves, twigs, and sticks, make sure to remove these as well.
Chipmunks use these areas to build nests and hide from predators.
Removing this debris will make your yard less inviting to them.
Finally, it can also be beneficial to regularly inspect your yard for any signs of chipmunk activity.
This includes looking for burrows, tunnels, and other signs of chipmunk activity.
If you find any of these, it is important to take the necessary steps to fill in the holes and discourage them from digging more.
By following these steps, you can help keep chipmunks away from your yard and garden.
While these methods may not be foolproof, they are a great way to discourage chipmunks from entering your property.
So, if you want to keep chipmunks away, make sure to keep your yard and garden free of attractants and inspect for signs of activity.
Good luck!
Other Ways to Keep Chipmunks Away
In addition to using peppermint oil, ammonia-soaked cotton balls, and removing potential food sources, there are other methods you can use to keep chipmunks away from your yard and garden.
One method is to create physical barriers, such as fencing, that keep chipmunks from entering the area.
For example, you can put up a fence that is at least two feet high and bury it a few inches into the ground.
This will prevent chipmunks from digging under the fence and entering your yard or garden.
You can also use a variety of repellents to deter chipmunks.
For example, castor oil-based repellents can be sprayed around the perimeter of your yard and garden to keep chipmunks away.
Other repellents, such as those containing predator urine, can also be used to keep chipmunks away.
In addition, you can use ultrasonic devices to repel chipmunks.
These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to chipmunks and will help keep them away.
You can also use motion-activated sprinklers, which will spray water when chipmunks enter the area, startling them and causing them to flee.
Finally, you can also use traps to capture and remove chipmunks from your yard or garden.
Traps come in various types, including live traps and humane traps, and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
Once captured, you can safely release the chipmunk back into the wild.
By using these methods, you can help keep chipmunks away from your yard and garden, and enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about these pesky creatures.
The Benefits of Keeping Chipmunks Away
Chipmunks may be small and cute, but they can be a real nuisance when they enter our yards and gardens.
Not only do they dig up our plants and flowers, but they also carry diseases and can contaminate our food sources.
Fortunately, there are a few methods to keep them away and preserve the beauty of our yards and gardens.
The most effective way to keep chipmunks away is to use peppermint oil.
The scent of peppermint is a natural deterrent for chipmunks, and simply mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spraying it around the areas where chipmunks have been spotted can help keep them away.
Additionally, placing ammonia-soaked cotton balls around the affected areas can help deter chipmunks, too.
Another great way to keep chipmunks away is to make sure your yard and garden are free of potential food sources.
Chipmunks are always on the lookout for something to eat, and if they find birdseed, fallen fruit, or pet food, they are likely to stick around.
By making sure your yard and garden are free of these items, you can help ensure chipmunks stay away.
Keeping chipmunks away can also help protect the health of your family, pets, and plants.
Chipmunks can carry diseases that can be passed on to humans and animals, and they can also damage plants and flowers.
By using peppermint oil, ammonia-soaked cotton balls, and keeping yard and gardens free of food sources, you can help keep chipmunks away and protect the health of your family, pets, and plants.
Final Thoughts
Keeping chipmunks away is an important part of maintaining a healthy yard or garden.
Not only do they have the potential to damage plants, but they can also spread disease.
Thankfully, there are several methods to keep chipmunks away, such as peppermint oil, ammonia-soaked cotton balls, and removing potential attractants.
By following these tips, you can keep chipmunks away and enjoy a beautiful yard or garden.
So don’t delay, take action today and keep those pesky chipmunks away!